I think it'd be nice if I could automate spinup by using a timer to engage the induction coils. That's possible with computercraft today, but I very much prefer to use redstone logic if possible.

Copying the approach taken by the reactor would be great.

I can agree to a redstone port for 0.5, but RedNet is a pain in the ass from a UI perspective, and the number of people using it doesn't justify the effort.

Fair 'nuff; I'm one of those people who don't use it. The number of controls isn't so large that I need to.

I use rednet for my reactor since you can just select the buffer capacity level and the rod control and the reactor will automatically govern itself as efficiently as it can.